The 20-year-old Thai driver lost control and spun backwards into the barriers at turn 19 early in the practice session, with his car bursting into flames, according to a report published by the Emirates News Agency. Inthraphuvasak jumped out of the cockpit without assistance and clambered over the wall, though marshals took some time to arrive with fire extinguishers. The session was red-flagged as a result.
Reuters reported that it took 24 minutes for the track to be cleared, leaving just six minutes of the practice session remaining. The earlier Formula 3 practice was also halted due to a crash at the new venue. A test day last month saw 19 red flag incidents over two days, with 11 due to crashes, Reuters figures show.
The Madring circuit features 22 turns, including a long banked showpiece corner known as La Monumental, and mixes street circuit elements with a purpose-built layout, a Reuters assessment found. Drivers had expected the track to pose a considerable challenge but held back from expressing safety fears before experiencing it outside the simulator. The venue is hosting the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time this weekend.
Reuters reported that F1 drivers had warned of big risks at the new circuit prior to the event. The incident occurred before any Formula 1 cars had taken to the track for their sessions on September 11. The weekend continues with further practice and qualifying rounds.
Inthraphuvasak emerged from the wreckage without injury, the Emirates News Agency stated. The driver competes for ART Grand Prix in the Formula 2 championship. The series forms an integral part of the support programme for Formula 1 rounds across the season.
